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Dec 31, 2009

I have never had a great time on New Year's Eve. Too much expectations, booze and crowds. Ten years ago the boy I was crushing on /"talking to" disappeared with a girl known to be a bit loose (vulgarity alert) and renowned for her ability to "suck a golf ball through a garden hose." Hmmphh.

Anyway, after a few more dismal New Year's Eves, I decided to stay home with a little Roman Holiday, some Thai food and my sanity. However, 3 years ago, Hubs convinced me to have a little shindig. At my parents' house, while they while away their winter in Watercolor. Black tie, fabulous food, I wore my mink- it was a hit. And my first great New Years Eve since I was a teen.

Then came the next year. Eighties theme, around twenty close friends, what could go wrong?

Dec 24, 2009

Bag full of books to keep me occupied
Pot of homemade chicken soup to keep me satiated
Files to work on to keep me employed
Trunk full of books (from me) and expensive video games (from Hubs) for niece and nephew
Off to Asheville I go!

Dec 23, 2009

We are having fake Christmas Eve at my parents tonight, as I will be missing real Christmas (boo!) for my first holidays away from my family. Sad days around these parts. Luckily, although Mama told me to suck it up, I'm married now, she felt bad enough for me to have fake Christmas Eve dinner tonight- lobster bisque, standing rib roast or beef tenderloin, garlic cheese grits, and spinach Madeleine (which I am preparing). I have to admit, one of the most traumatic issues with the whole being apart from my family was the fact that I'm trading a prime cut of tender beef and lobster bisque for lasagna. Not my fave, I must say. Oh well, a day early never hurt anyone, and I can munch on leftovers before the early church service. Then around 9:50 I'll whip out my candle and sing a rousing a-Capella version of Silent Night. Considering I can't sing my way out of a paper bag, maybe everyone will be so traumatized, that I will get to be with my family and at my church for every Christmas Eve on.*

*Apparently when I have children, you don't have to travel for holidays, and can dictate what you do. I briefly considered procreation to get my way, then realized (a) it would interfere with my wine consumption and (b) I would have a child for the rest of the year. Guess I'll just have to suck it up.

Dec 22, 2009

As I frantically try to draft documents in preparation for the end of the year, my blogging has been a bit erratic. So, read this hilarious legal document which I did not draft, but do appreciate for its demonstration of SEC football love.

This motion was filed in Jefferson County, Alabama. Enjoy.

MOTION TO CONTINUE

Comes now Jon B. Terry, as one of the attorneys for the Defendants and would move to continue the current trial setting of January 4, 2010 and as grounds therefore would aver asfollows:

1. This case was set for trial several months ago before certain monumental events occurred that were beyond the anticipation of the attorneys and the clients.

2. Since the setting of this case, one of the two great college football teams in this State has reached levels on a national scale that have not been enjoyed by any team in this State in 17 years next preceding the date hereof.

3. Currently, one of the two great teams in this State are playing for a national championship and has enjoyed an undefeated season and clinched the SEC Title Game.

4. Most of the attorneys representing all of the named Defendants have tickets and reservations to be in Pasadena on the 6th day of January, 2010, which date would conflict with the trial date as travel times and schedules for the game overlap the trial as currently set.

5. In fact, the Honorable Jim Lloyd has children that live in the area and is scheduled to be with them in California to celebrate the game and the Tide s success.

6. Attempts to resolve this conflict directly with the Plaintiffs has been unfruitful as the reply has been that they are for the other great team in this State who did not make the playoffs.Unfortunately, that response remains short-sighted as they may one day find themselves in the same position that the Defendant attorneys are in and, unfortunately, the BSC Title Game is nolonger scheduled on January 1st, but has been moved to January 7th.

7. In checking with your Honor s Office, it was determined that there are potential quick dates available during March, the only known conflict being that Jim Lloyd has recently been elected President of the Birmingham Bar and must attend a conference on March 10-12. Other than that, the Defendants can be ready to be first out during any available week for trial during the month of February, March, or April and believe that there would be no harm, considering the magnitude of this event and its impact on this State, and the fact such an event only comes infrequently during a person s lifetime and is an achievement of such a magnitude that all involved in this litigation should want everyone to fully participate in this achievement.

8. It is also understood that many of the witness involved are trying to acquire tickets to the game and/or scheduled to be at the game in Pasadena on January 7th and certainly any jurorselected to participate will likely be preoccupied and not able to devote their full attention to the case before them during the week of January 4, 2010, and therefore, the parties would beprejudiced by the distraction caused by such a major event of such significant importance to so many people in this State.

9. ROLL TIDE!! ( although my secretary is for the other great team of this State, she feels that I need to attend this championship game!); and may the Longhorns be defeated.

Dec 18, 2009

So, I decided posting about babies and cooking was way too much maturity. I think a little Disney discussion is on order this Friday morning. So from least favorite to big puffy hearts, here's my sampling:

Sleeping Beauty- snooze bomb IMHO. Of course, I have not seen it since I was a child and have a much greater appreciation of sleep now so maybe another viewing is in order. I'm sure Hubs will be thrilled.

Bambi- hell to the no. I refuse to watch this movie ever again. I got so stressed during Finding Nemo that I had to turn it off and take a break. One traumatic viewing of this movie as a tot was enough for me, thanks.

Lady and the Tramp- I like the spaghetti stuff, and the Siamese cats. "We are Siamese if we please (bah dum dum)", which is sung by one of my favorite chanteuses- Miss Peggy Lee. I will definitely have that in my head for the rest of day.

Snow White- I love this movie now, but as a kid, that witch was pretty damn scary. This may be the reason why I only like green apples. Mmmm, probably not. Snow White is definitely the prettiest Disney "princess".

Fox and the Hound- "I'm a hound dog, Rooooooooooo!" Hee. Love this movie- it is very stressful though. but look how cute the little guys are! My pupological clock is out of control, y'all.

Aladdin- Pretty cool, although it received negative points for including the song "A Whole New World" which grates on my last nerve.

Beauty and the Beast- So, while doing research for this blog post, I took a quiz- "What Disney Princess Are You?" (And Hubs says my blog is not mature- ha!). Apparently I'm Belle, I think because I read a lot. I would rather be Cinderella or Snow White, but I really hate housework. Also, do y'all remember that freaky series Beauty and Beast that was on prime time when we were little? The Beast lived in the sewers, I think?

The Little Mermaid BRINGS THE HEAT!! Sebastian=awesome. Flounder is a little lame, but every girl needs her slightly lame adoring sidekick. Ursula is super terrifying, yet incredible. Side note- a friend of mine was standing on the beach down at Seaside. Being who he is, he was ripping a cigarette and downing his beer, when a little girl comes running up to him, screaming in ecstasy "Mommy, Mommy! Look! It's Prince Eric!". Ha! My friend, of course, had no clue what in the world she was talking about. Hilarious.

Here Ariel is singing "Look at this stuff, isn't it neat? Wouldn't you think my collection's complete? Wouldn't you think I'm the girl, the girl who has everything?" So awesome.

And now a face-off.

Cinderella versus The Lion King

I mean, two of my favorite things- shoes and lions. Seriously, I love lions- it's a weird obsession, but I'm a Leo so maybe it's astrological?

Okay, Cinderelly is fabulous and my childhood favorite. I tried to name every pet Gus after the chubby mouse. I also am a sucker for a good makeover movie, and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo rocks.

Mice with kerchiefs! Does it get any cuter?

Well, maybe- lions cubs! Before I left to teach school in Tanzania, my primary preparation was repeated viewings of the Lion King, which was "filmed" in the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. People really say

Hakuna Mattata there! Africa, I heart you.

So what do y'all think- agree with me? Think I am absolutely nuts, and my list is ALL wrong? I probably left some classics out, I am sure, so let the Disney discussion commence! And most importantly- take the TeenNick quiz and find out what princess you are- hee.

Dec 17, 2009

ALE (her baby shower is pictured here) is having her baby today! YAY! Some of the girls have scheduled everyone to have a night to bring dinner to the new parents until the end of January. When CM had little MC I brought Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells. I've discussed my hatred of Giada before, and I cringe to admit that this recipe is hers. However, it's delicious, hard to screw up, and great for any sort of illness, or new baby because you can stick half in the freezer for later. It's reasonably healthy, yet gets the guy approval- I made it for my father in law when he had surgery, and he and Hubs love it. So here's Giada's (ugh) recipe. At least you don't have to listen to her randomly pepper her speech with words pronounced in an Italian accent. It serves 6-8.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and partially cook until tender but still very firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain pasta.

Meanwhile, in a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and the garlic and cook until the onions are soft and starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the ground turkey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is slightly golden and cooked through. Add the artichoke hearts and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let cool.

In a large bowl combine the cooled turkey mixture with the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, basil, parsley, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
To stuff the shells, cover the bottom of a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking dish with 1 cup of Arrabbiata sauce. Take a shell in the palm of your hand and stuff it with a large spoonful of turkey mixture, about 2 tablespoons. Place the stuffed shell in the baking dish. Continue filling the shells until the baking dish is full, about 24 shells. Drizzle the remaining Arrabbiata Sauce over the shells, top with the grated mozzarella. If freezing, cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 1 day and up to 1 month.

To bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bake until the shells are warmed through and the cheese is beginning to brown, about 60 minutes (20 minutes if shells are unfrozen.)

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the pancetta and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until tender, about 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool until ready to use.

So if you are making this for a new mama, I might leave out the red pepper flakes if they are nursing- I err on the side of caution since I have never been in that position.
However, the question remains- real or not? She is from L.A. and tiny everywhere else, yet they look real. What do y'all think? (Maybe Hubs will like this type of posts better than the clothes I am buying type of post)

Dec 16, 2009

So changes are underfoot- S&S has a new look, courtesy of Jessica at The Lovelist. Isn't it pretty?
While I stare at my gorgeous new blog, why don't y'all look and comment on pretty pictures of my wedding, (which occurred just over six months ago)?

Pretty pictures for your Wednesday. Please go over to Jessica's blog The Lovelist, and enter into her holiday giveaway- she's giving her readers some awesome loot. Now, I'm going to resume looking at Spice and Sass in all its glory.

Dec 15, 2009

So, yesterday Hubs made a comment that he had read the blog. I (with no small amount of trepidation) asked him what he thought. "Well, it's not really something to be proud of, (he denies saying that part, but I know what I heard). It's kind of middle school girl-ish".

I mentally scrambled, frantically trying to think of a scathing retort that would show how intellectually stimulating Spice and Sass is for you readers. Instead, all I could think about was how my next post was going to be a review of the movies I had seen this weekend.

The Princess and the Frog, and The Fantastic Mr. Fox*. Two animated movies based on children's books.

My reply to Hubs, realizing that my maturity was not very defensible?

"Well, maybe you aren't the target audience for my blog."

After the holidays it will be all high-brow all the time occasionally.

*I highly recommend both movies! Go see them with or without a tween. Mr. Fox is a Wes Anderson movie, and very in tune with the rest of his work. I heart Wes Anderson so I loved it.

Princess and the Frog was great too- classic animation, New Orleans setting, tunes by Randy Newman and a hilarious "southern belle" supporting character. It's no Little Mermaid or Lion King, but definitely on par with Aladdin.

Dec 9, 2009

Sorry for lack of posts, but I have not been home nor had a second to breathe the last few days. I am headed to Nashville at the crack of dawn (literally) tomorrow morning for a Tennessee real estate law conference (are you jealous?) for my continuing legal education. Not so exciting, but I will get to stay with Miss Shelley who I have not seen since my nuptials. Whoohoo- we are planning on continuing our December rituals from exam time in law school- movies, working out and shopping. Luckily, this time we will not be procrastinating our studies while partaking in all three anymore.

This is me, in my lawyer disguise. So I'll be back , and full of fun things to talk about. None of which involve real estate law, I promise.

Dec 8, 2009

For someone who claims that she doesn't watch much television, and prefers to read, I watch a helluva a lot of television. In addition to mainstream stalwarts such as Gossip Girl, I have become addicted to several other guilty pleasures which are Hubs friendly, unlike the previously mentioned delights.

Pawn Stars: It's on the History Channel so educational right?

So Rick is the Old Man's son, and Corey is Rick's son. I actually learn history because people bring in weird old stuff, and Rick invariably calls a buddy who is an expert in this stuff, who explains the provenance (learning history), then there's negotiation (business), and the family dynamic is always entertaining. Seriously- Hubs made me watch it and now I love it.

The Closer:

Okay, Kyra's accent is not the best, but just roll with it, and you will stop noticing. She is originally from Atlanta, and now a police chief. Her squad now says ma'am and y'all. She brings the heat, is tough is nails, and addicted to sweets. Oh yeah, and she has FANTASTIC hair.

And can't wait until this one comes back- Damages:

It's rumored to be back this February, and I am dying for its twisty, slightly creepy return. Of course, I love a show about a young overwhelmed lawyer battling her psycho murderous boss played by a terrifying Glenn Close. My parents have become addicted to both The Closer and Damages, so it's great for them to have a couple shows they can watch together, as well.

Any suggestions on shows which are palatable to you and your significant other?

Dec 7, 2009

So many of y'all have posted on the in-law question regarding gifts. This is my first year battling this- I'm not used to Christmas lists. Since my brother and I are adult, we have not had big a Christmas in probably 15ish years or longer. Anyway, I had a slight Grinch freak out when I received my SIL's list of the gifts my new niece and nephew wanted (Wii games). I tend to give books to children as gifts, so I was disappointed not to be spending hours in the children's section of the bookstore perusing old favorites and seeing awesome new books that I want to buy and read myself give to little friends in my life. As a child, unsurprisingly, I was a super bookworm (not nerdy though- not sure how I dodged that bullet). I started out with a Little House on the Prairie love, but quickly progressed to my girl, L.M. Montgomery-

I read every single one of L.M.'s books, but Anne is the best. I have not read the prequel that came out in the past couple years, nor do I think I will. I want Anne, Diana and heart throb Gilbert Blythe (definitely had a crush on him at 7) to remain exactly how they are, hanging out on Prince Edward Island. (I recently rocked a question on PEI on Jeopardy due solely to my constant reading of AOGG as a child, boo-yeah Trebek).

Then there is the other gold standard- Louisa May Alcott's Little Women:

Laurie was a definite contender with Gilbert Blythe for my elementary school love, (although I am not big on either of their names to be frank). I loved Jo so much, but now I identify more with Amy, which is a bit terrifying. Then there's the sequels- Little Men and Jo's Boys, and another series Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom. Loved them all.

When I first met my now niece a couple years ago, I was so excited to give her Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild. As an aspiring child actress I loved all of her tales of performing children in London-show biz and Brits- be still my beating childhood heart! Theater Shoes was my favorite, as acting was my bag.

My niece was not so interested, as Hannah Montana does not play a role. Nor do the stars of High School Musical. However, Hermione Grainger herself is starring in a new movie adaptation of Ballet Shoes.

Maybe I will have to be waiting in line for days take my niece opening night.

So that's my favorite childhood girly fiction- I was also really into loads of others like Mrs. Piggle Wiggle- remember her?

And of course, Harriet the Spy and the Babysitters Club. What were your favorite books?

Dec 4, 2009

Here is Marley, dressed in his holiday finery as Reindog. As you can tell by the gray around his mouth and eyes, this was an older wiser Marley. You can see him as a young golden retriever here.

Well, as you can tell by his size, Marley liked to eat. A lot. His paw was as big as my hand. In his younger days he had the agility which made his appetite quite a problem. Once my brother and I were super excited about a $12 piece of Brie stuffed with pine nuts and pesto, wrapped lovingly in puff pastry. After patiently bakaing it, it was super hot, so we left it on the counter to cool for 5 minutes, and exited the room to remove ourselves from temptation. Marley felt no need to wait for anything to cool. The entire Brie was gone in about seven seconds. I was depressed for about seven days- I really love cheese.

But that doesn't explain why Marley hates Christmas- it seems like he would like it- Santa Paws would come and bring him extra milk bones, his family is around, he gets to wear his reindog ears (well that might have something to do with his dislike).. . .

Marley hated the holidays because it brought back bad memories of the Hershey Kiss incident.

During the holidays, my mom used to put out big bowls of Hershey Kisses. My little brother (who's probably 15, because I was around 18), and I are sitting in the living room listening to some Christmas music and checking out our loot after Christmas Eve church. We get up to do something, and come back in the room. I notice the huge bowl full of kisses (probably 2 big bags) is empty, and immediately start making fun of my brother "Hhahaha- you fat ass I can't believe you ate all those kisses" etc. He vehemently denies eating the kisses. Mystery.

We ask our parents who look at us like we have lost our minds. Brother and I are looking high and low- did they spill somewhere? There's no wrappers laying around.

We look at Marley, who is grinning. His grin is especially captivating, and his teeth sparkle . . .with aluminum foil wrappers! That damn dog had eaten 2 bags of kisses, wrappers and all. He hadn't shared with the three other goldens we had at that point, he ate the whole thing. Himself.

So Mr. Marley had to go get his stomach pumped Christmas Eve around 11 o'clock at night at the emergency vet clinic in the hood. Santa Paws gave him some definite lumps of coal that year!

Dec 3, 2009

So Dids sent me some pics to show y'all what Hubs was up to at the reunion

Dids and her husband, looking lovely as always.

Let's compare-

Here's Hubs and I- you can't see his afro as well as I would like due to the dark background, but you get the gist of it. The look on my face- uncomfortable grinning through my panic.*

And here's the rapping- notice the Jack and coke in his hand? Yep, I believe there's a direct correlation.

*Please ignore my massive face bloat- this was the day after Thanksgiving.

Also- I have to alert y'all to Anthropologie's current sale- it's a good one.
Just picked up the Gardener's Choice Dress and the Cavorting Canines Dress, which I have had my eye on for months, for half price!

2) At the reunion there was a DJ and karaoke. Hubs and LAM's husband take over the karaoke, to the irritation of any other drunken fools anyone else who wanted to "perform".

It gets much better

3) Apparently there is video of Hubs humping a chair while singing Naughty by Nature's "OPP". LAM's husband is humping his mike.

4) During said "OPP" performance (which was being played as background music), Hubs announced to crowd "There's no lyrics being shown- I just know the words to this one", then recommenced his horrible rapping.

AND the kicker.

5) Hubs announces to the entire crowd "Spice and Sass (obviously insert my actual name here), I'm spice and Sass' husband. Do you know her? She's my wife. WEST HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF '99 SUCKS!". At this point I had skedaddled to the bar, where the acoustics were not as good, and was immersing myself in vodka. I was talking to old friends and acquaintances, who would inevitably comment on wedding photos, or congratulate me. I said "Oh, you need to meet my husband, he's here.", which was met (several times, mind you) with "Oh, I know who your husband is". Great.

I actually thought the whole thing was pretty hysterical, considering it was so out of character and Hubs is so embarrassed. When the calls started pouring in the next morning, and I began to inform him of his behavior, his moral hangover was so great that there was definite hiding under the pillows.

I figure I have a good 5 years of making an ass of myself, (or dropping clear plastic lids down the drain) before he lives getting hammered and being an asshat at my ten year reunion down.

Dec 1, 2009

Which fell off its shelf in the shower as I tried to get ready for work Friday morning. The lid flew off and promptly leaped down the drain. I woke up Hubs and told him, trying my best puppy dog expression-

And told him I would take care of it on Monday, when my plumber would be back from holidays. Until then, we would simply use the guest room shower. However, Hubs made the executive decision to call these folks while I was working. It seemed that they too were the only ones who were working as well.

Two vans, 2.5 hours, $225 and one "free" bottle of drain cleaner later. . .the plastic lid is still stuck in the pipes, which will have to be taken apart from the condo below us. Roto-rooter (not my favorite people) estimate another $500 to fix it, without the cost of re-sheet rocking the people's ceiling below us. Lovely. Notice how the face wash is supposed to be stress relief?

Later, though at my ten year reunion, Hubs put himself into a new home.

Nov 30, 2009

Thanksgiving was delightful, and I didn't burn anything. The reunion was super fun (although Hubs is in the doghouse for the foreseeable future), and both the Dawgs and the Vols beat their opponents Saturday night! All in all, a fantastic weekend! I will have pictures and some recipes for y'all soon. How was your holiday weekend?

Nov 27, 2009

No, my wedding was not featured, although I am inspired to ask Whitebox to send in pictures after spying my handsome pup, Henry in the pages of the recent issue. That darling golden retriever in the Southern Proper bowtie is our own Henry, plucked from the pound. Who could ever let that dog get away, I don't know. Thanks Southern Weddings for showing my dog off (although I think he deserves a credit!). I loved their site and mag when planning my own wedding, so please check them out.

Henry is a part of a long line of golden retrievers my family has loved, preceded most recently by Marley. He may not of been a dog model, but he was definitely the biggest golden retriever in the world. Here he is as a young pup- probably about a year old? He was a bear- and had the disposition of one. We loved him dearly.

About this time last year was when we had to put Marley down (he was twelve), and then a month later saw Marley and Me as a family. At one point I thought I was going to have to leave the theatre because I was crying so hard. It's always shocking how a loss of a pet is so devastating (at least to some people- the ladies sitting behind me at Marley and Me were too busy loudly discussing their Christmas shopping to be truly upset, blergh).

Anyway, on a less serious note, I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving. Tonight is my ten year reunion, and I am going to dash out of the office and decorate our home for the pre-reunion cocktail party happening there this evening. Some of these ladies will be there! From our senior year of high school:

Nov 25, 2009

Here's my Mama in our kitchen in Thanksgiving of 1985, rocking the velour sweatsuit like it's 2001. So ahead of her time. Looks like she's cranking out some angel biscuits before putting on her hostess finery. Tomorrow morning I will be in the same kitchen, making some green beans which are cooked all day, practically to the point of disintegration, much to Hubs' delight.

I don't really have a recipe for my beans, but here's an approximation based on a Paula Deen recipe:

Remove the ends from the beans. Snap the beans in 2 pieces, place into a colander, wash, and set aside to drain.

Meanwhile, in a large cast iron Dutch oven, lightly brown the salt pork in the bacon grease over medium heat, turning often, for approximately 10 minutes. Toss the green beans into the pot, stirring them with a wooden spoon to coat well with the pork fat. Add the broth and House Seasoning. Cook over medium-low heat, covered tightly, for approximately 30 minutes, or until the beans are half done.

At the end of 30 minutes, add the onion to the beans; add 1/4 cup more broth, if needed. Cook, covered tightly, approximately 25 to 30 minutes, periodically checking the pot to make sure a small amount of liquid remains. Tilt the lid slightly, off to the side of the pot, and continue to cook until the green beans are wilted, approximately 15 minutes. While cooking, add the butter and season with pepper.

I realize that putting this much fat into veggies is a crime for your heart, but hey, it's Thanksgiving. Other days of the year replace the bacon fat with olive oil, use low sodium chicken broth, and just a pat of butter for flavor.